Mount Royal Mountain

Urban mountain and park overlooking Montreal

A forested hill at the heart of Montreal designed as a public park; Frederick Law Olmsted helped shape its paths. Locals and visitors come for skyline viewpoints at the Chalet, winter tobogganing, cross‑country skiing and summer promenades.

Main image

Mount Royal at a Glance#

Address: Mount Royal Park (Parc du Mont-Royal), 1260 Remembrance Rd, Montréal, QC H3H 1A2, Canada

Website: https://www.lemontroyal.qc.ca/en/

Hours: Mount Royal Park: Open daily; park facilities and hours vary seasonally

About Mount Royal#

Mount Royal is a prominent hill and urban park in the heart of Montreal, Quebec, rising to about 233 meters above sea level. The site combines natural green space with formal viewpoints and recreational facilities and is central to the city’s layout.

The area is best known for Mount Royal Park, which covers roughly 200 hectares and includes trails, Beaver Lake, and the Kondiaronk Belvedere viewpoint that frames the downtown skyline. The hill has three named summits, with the central summit marked by the illuminated cross.

The site was named by early European explorers and its parkland was planned in the 19th century with landscape design influence from Frederick Law Olmsted. Today it functions as a major public space used year-round for walking, cycling, winter sports, and city viewing.

Mount Royal occupies the island of Montreal in the St. Lawrence River; the park is a short distance from downtown Montreal and is directly accessible from several city neighborhoods.

  • Elevation and use: The hill rises to about 233 meters above sea level and is the geographic and recreational heart of Montreal, with extensive parkland and lookout points.
  • Design heritage: The park was designed in the 19th century with input from landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted and remains a principal urban green space.

What to See#

  • Three summits: The hill has three summits: the central summit (Colline de la Croix) at about 233 meters, Outremont (Colline d’Outremont) and Westmount Summit; the central summit is the site of the illuminated cross.
  • Mount Royal Park: Mount Royal Park covers roughly 200 hectares and was laid out to provide urban green space, with notable features including Beaver Lake and multiple formal viewpoints over downtown Montreal.
  • Kondiaronk Belvedere: Kondiaronk Belvedere is the primary viewpoint offering widely photographed panoramic views of Montreal’s downtown skyline and the St. Lawrence River.

How to Get to Mount Royal#

Mount Royal Park is a short walk from downtown Montreal. Metro access: Mont‑Royal station (Orange Line) or Peel station (Green Line), followed by a 10-20 minute walk to park entrances. Driving and cycling access available; several marked parking areas around the park.

Tips for Visiting Mount Royal#

  • Walk the ridge at different times of day-the park feels different at dawn when runners and dog-walkers set the pace, and at dusk when the city lights spill onto the slopes.
  • Visit the Mount Royal Chalet (Belvédère Kondiaronk) for one of the best panoramic views over Montreal and the St. Lawrence valley.
  • Avoid the paved Summit Road in winter if not experienced with icy conditions; many winter activities are possible but require appropriate gear.

Best Time to Visit Mount Royal#

Autumn and spring are particularly pleasant; winter offers classic snowy activities if prepared for cold.

Autumn
September-November · 0-15°C (32-59°F)
Brilliant fall foliage and crisp air-one of the most photographed seasons.
Spring
April-June · 2-18°C (36-64°F)
Thawing snow, returning birdlife, and quieter trails than in summer.
Winter
December-March · -15-0°C (5-32°F)
Snow transforms the park for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing; cold but clean air.

Weather & Climate near Mount Royal#

Climate

Mount Royal's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -15°C to 27°C. Abundant rainfall (1063 mm/year), wettest in September, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Air Quality: AQI 34 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
27°
Warmest Month
-15°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -15° - -6° -17° 78 mm - - 3.9 m/s - -
February - -14° - -4° -15° 65 mm - - 3.8 m/s - -
March - -7° - 2° -7° 76 mm - - 3.9 m/s - -
April - 0° - 10° 2° 85 mm - - 3.9 m/s - -
May - 8° - 19° 13° 85 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
June - 13° - 24° 18° 96 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
July - 16° - 27° 21° 99 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
August - 15° - 26° 20° 100 mm - - 2.8 m/s - -
September - 10° - 20° 15° 101 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
October - 4° - 13° 6° 87 mm - - 3.4 m/s - -
November - -2° - 5° -2° 100 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
December - -11° - -2° -12° 91 mm - - 3.8 m/s - -

Nearby Attractions to Mount Royal#